US tech giants open their wallets for AI-friendly politicians
The Register
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tech giants like Meta are investing heavily in political campaigns to influence policies favorable to their AI and data center interests. With concerns over potential regulations and community opposition growing, companies are pouring millions into backing sympathetic candidates ahead of the midterms. Meta, for instance, plans to spend $65 million this year through two new super PACs targeting both Republicans and Democrats. Other tech leaders, including Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, have contributed $50 million to a similar PAC aimed at ensuring AI-friendly candidates win key positions.
This trend reflects the broader push by the tech industry to shape regulations that support their massive investments in AI infrastructure. Data center construction has faced significant local opposition due to concerns about electricity usage, water supplies, and environmental impacts. For example, 20 US server farm projects were blocked or delayed in Q2 2025 amid community resistance. The industry is now focusing on building political alliances to mitigate these challenges, with the Trump administration attempting to mediate conflicts through principles around energy use and community relations.
The stakes are high as AI continues to drive economic growth despite unclear profitability. Financial analysts suggest that AI-related spending is keeping the US economy afloat, with data center infrastructure and model development being key sectors of growth. The industry’s political maneuvering underscores its determination to avoid state-level regulations that could constrain its expansion, particularly in areas like algorithmic bias and data privacy.
This matters because it highlights the growing influence of tech companies in shaping policy and public opinion, potentially at the expense of local communities and regulatory oversight. Readers interested in tech’s role in politics and its impact on everyday life will find this trend significant, as it underscores the broader implications of AI development on both economic growth and societal challenges.
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Originally published on The Register on 2/19/2026